XXIV 
THE WAPITI 
247 
ground would have given notice of the approach of 
danger. Bison were very plentiful, but after shoot¬ 
ing a fine bull, I only regarded them as ornaments 
in a natural park, and they were considered sacred. 
In several places they fed within a few hundred 
yards of our camp, without apparent notice. This 
was all very agreeable, but where were the wapiti ? 
There was no party beyond Lady Baker, myself, 
and our four attendants, with a number of horses 
and mules. 
I had lent my hunter (Jem Bourne) a Martini- 
Henry rifle, but he was not supposed to shoot 
without permission. 
Among our horses was a well-trained animal 
named Buckskin, who would remain any length 
of time standing, to await my return, if I dismounted 
to stalk a deer. This was a remarkably safe 
beast; powerful and steady, he never made a false 
step, either up or down a hill. I could shoot from 
his back almost as well as though on foot, as he 
never flinched, but stood like a rock. He was a 
horse that should endure for many years, as he 
never over-exerted himself; he preferred to be 
ridden without spurs. I forgot them once ; but I 
never did again. On that occasion he was delighted, 
as he knew that he could arrange his pace according 
to his natural discrimination; he accordingly de¬ 
clined to go beyond a walk. As to digging the 
unarmed heels of riding-boots into his flanks, or 
thrashing him with a stick, you might as well 
bestride a garden roller and dig your heels into the 
